Brunei: *New* Soft Play Opening Hours @ Chit Chat Community Centre

Brunei: Ramadhan Considerations

Brunei: Shivaratri Puja - Wednesday, 26th February 2025, 1130 – 1230 hrs @ BFB Temple

BFB TEMPLE SERVICE (SHIVARATRI PUJA) – 26 FEB 25

Issue. As per the Brigade of Gurkhas Religious Festivals FOE 2024/25, the SHIVARATRI Puja falls on Wed 26 Feb 2025.

Request. All BFB personnel including families are invited to join the Shivaratri Puja at the BFB Temple.

2ICs / CSMs to encourage all available SPs to attend the service. 

Timing. 1130 – 1230 hrs. Please be seated by 1125 hrs.

Dress: Working / Comfortable attire for families.

Sequence of events:
· Mediation
· Puja
· Bhajan
· Prabachan
· Arati, Phool, Prasad & Tika (Blessings)

Background. According to sacred scriptures, the ritual worship of Lord Shiva on the SHIVARATRI festival falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in February or March every year. This fact is said to have been declared by Lord Shiva himself, when his consort Parvati asked him as to which ritual performed by his devotees pleases him the most. Even till date, devotees of Lord Shiva perform the ritual worship of SHIVARATRI with care and devotion. They observe day and night fast and give a sacred bath to Shiva Linga with honey, milk, water etc. It is believed that the worship of Lord Shiva with devotion and sincerity absolves a devotee of past sins. The devotee reaches the abode of Lord Shanker and lives there happily. He is also liberated from the cycle of birth and death and attains moksha or salvation.

Give Us Time: respite breaks for military families - 2025 dates are live!

The charity ‘Give Us Time’ offers accommodation for respite breaks for UK military families. No referral is required from Welfare for families to sign up. Please see the poster for more details and the current March dates, but more 2025 dates are available on the website: https://giveustime.org.uk/

Applications open for the Service Pupil Support Programme

Applications are now open for the Service Pupil Support Programme which is part of the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3). The programme will award grants between £5,000 and £150,000 to projects supporting service children along their educational pathway, and to reach their full potential. Deadline is midday on 30th April 2025. See the Press release for more detail and links.

Service Leavers' Guide - latest edition

T​he updated version of the Service Leavers' Guide has now been published on Gov.UK.

Please click here to read this edition online. 

Brunei: Brunei Overseas Allowance Feedback

BRUNEI OVERSEAS ALLOWANCE FEEDBACK

1. Info. This feedback is an opportunity to portray our views and submit feedback on the recent changes to Brunei Overseas allowances in order to provide a general view and its impact from everyone within British Forces Brunei. All the collated information will be analysed and forwarded to the higher chain (Bde/Div) for their necessary onward action.

2. Action. Please scan the QR code above or click here and complete the questionnaire with the utmost integrity.

3. Time. Please complete by 26 Feb 25.

Any further info or question are to direct to RAO dept 1RGR and UWC.

Brunei: Yoga and Meditation with Pandit Ji - *Next Session* Tuesday, 25th February 2025, 0930 - 1045 hrs @ CCCC Main Hall

Please click the image to enlarge.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme reopens for applications

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced a new round of funding under the Reducing Veteran Homelessness (RVH) Programme in a bid to deliver further sustainable, supported housing options for veterans in need.

The Trust is delivering this important programme on behalf of the Office of Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) in support of the government’s ambition to end veteran homelessness and ensure veterans have access to the support they need, including housing.

Current findings from the RVH programme

Following on from the initial awards made in July 2023, the Trust commissioned Alma Economics to consult with key stakeholders in the housing sector, including those awarded funds in the first round. Key recommendations from this consultation include:

• A need for increased support for veterans with acute, complex or multiple support needs.
• Promoting a needs-based approach to support provision.
• Addressing bottlenecks across the lifecycle of support provision.
• A focus on partnership working.

Both the RVH interim programme evaluation report and the summary of consultation findings are available to read on the Trust’s website.

Further funding available

Under this new round of the RVH programme, charities, local authorities and registered social housing providers can apply for up to £300,000 towards a project delivered for up to nine months.

There is also an opportunity for organisations to apply for an enhanced award of up to a further £200,000 where that work will fill a significant level of unmet need.

What applicants will need to show

Projects should improve the capacity of services in supported housing to better help veterans with a range of different needs. Full details of the programme priorities are mapped out in a Programme Guidance document available on the Trust’s website.

Op Fortitude

Funded projects will need to work with Op Fortitude, a UK wide referral pathway supporting homeless veterans or veterans at risk of homelessness, into housing.

Find out more

Want to know more about applying to the RVH programme? Full details are available at: www.covenantfund.org.uk

Application deadline is noon, 31 March 2025.

The Ripple Pond – Spring Newsletter

Please click here to read online. 

Brunei: BN Post Room Updates

BN POST ROOM UPDATES

The BN Post Room located in Tuker Lines will release new parcels and letters on Wednesday 26 February 2025 from 10:30hrs to 12:00hrs. Because the Post Office, Chit Chat Community Centre will be closed on Monday 24 February 2025 in conjunction of 41st Brunei National Day (In Lieu).

Brunei: AWS Community Support - *NO* Families Club this month

Brunei: BFB Ladies Night Programme - *Today* Friday, 21st February 2025, 1700 - 2359 @ CCCC

Please click the image to enlarge.

BFB Ladies Night

The theme for Ladies Night is the Zodiac. You can choose to wear something that represents your own zodiac sign or any other zodiac sign you like. If you'd prefer, simple party wear is also acceptable.

For the Zodiac Theme, you could consider incorporating colours associated with your zodiac sign, wearing relevant jewellery, or using face paint that symbolizes your sign.

Please do your best to match the Zodiac Theme, as there will be prizes for the Best Dressed and Raffle Draw as well!

Tickets. 

The ticket cost will be $20.00 BND per person.

All attendees will have to contribute towards the drinks.

Tickets are available with Department Heads, Company CSMs, Committee Members (CSM’s Wives) and at the Chit Chat HIVE Office. 

Purchase of tickets will be closed on Friday 14th February 2025.

X-Forces: Self Employment Discovery 3-Day Online Course for Mil Spouses & Partners

Please click the image to enlarge.

For more information and to register, visit Tri Service Spouses & Partners: Self-Employment Discovery 3-Day Course

Brunei: Closure of RAO ADMIN OFFICE – Thursday, 20th February 2025

CLOSURE OF RAO ADMIN OFFICE – THURSDAY, 20 FEBRUARY 2025

The RAO Admin Office will be Closed on Thursday, 20th February 2025 due to co-ordination planning for G1A inspection.

The office will be resume on Friday, 21st February 2025.

Brunei: Operation Neptune - Tide and Weather Forecast for 19 - 25 February 2025

Note:

1. This is a routine update of weather forecast for “OP NEPTUNE”. Any possible adverse weather report will be updated in CRO and to the Combined Duty Officer of the day.

2. For more detailed weather forecasts please visit the website.

• Seria Weather - 7, 10 & 14 Day Weather Forecast - Brunei Darussalam (worldweatheronline.com)
• Tide Times and Tide Chart for Seria (tide-forecast.com)

Women into Employment 2025: Tues 18 March in London. Event for women from across the military community

Do you know a woman in the military community contemplating her next career choice? Are you at a crossroads and not sure where to turn next? Join us at this year’s Women into Employment (WIE25) event in London on Tuesday, 18 March 2025.

The full day will focus on how you bring the real YOU to the workplace. With an agenda packed with key points and ideas, you are guaranteed to take away some key points and ideas for the next steps in your career path. Register here for the event.

Women into Employment 2025 (WIE25) is the Forces Employment Charity’s flagship event and offers support to women from across the whole Armed Forces community, welcoming those of you preparing to leave the Armed Forces, reservists, veterans of all ranks, military partners, spouses and young people.

Are you a family member of a Veteran who is suffering with addiction?

Tom Harrison House provides specialist addiction recovery programmes and family support for UK Armed Forces serving personnel, veterans and emergency services personnel. The next Tom Harrison House Family experiential therapeutic retreat is 4-6th April 2025, at Derwent Hill Outdoor Centre, Keswick. For more details please see the poster or website: https://tomharrisonhouse.org.uk/events/afcft-family-retreats

Places are limited and will go fast so to find out more or book your place email: events@tomharrisonhouse.org.uk

Funded by Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

Service Police Confidential Crime Line, available 24/7 - You are not alone

Anyone (Service or Civil Servant) who has been the victim or witness of serious crime at any point of their Service in the MOD can call the Service Police Crime Bureau on 02392 285 170 or 02392 285 180, or the Service Police confidential crime line on 0800 085 0658, available 24/7. You will be listened to, there is support available for victims and all allegations are taken seriously.

Brunei: BFSWS - Understanding Your Child's Behaviour Course - Starting from 18th February – 07th March 2025. Every Tuesday & Friday, 0830 - 1030 AM @ BFSWS Office, CCCC

Please click the image to enlarge.

For any queries, please contact 

Rachana Niraula at 322 4101 Ext 3285 / 

email at Rachana.poudel@forcessocialwork.com

Or Anita Collins at Ext 3371/ 

email at anita.collins@forcessocialwork.com

Forces Employment Charity: Job Vacancy – Families Employment Advisor, Colchester/SE England

Forces Employment Charity is seeking a dedicated employment advisor. As part of a national team, you will provide employment and training advice and guidance to a remote caseload of spouses and partners of still serving Armed Forces and ex-service personnel (Veterans) in the UK and overseas with personal development and/or until they are settled in sustainable careers.

Reporting to the National Employment Projects Manager. This position is full-time, 35 hours per week with a salary of £29,000 per annum. This role is Home-based (with community outreach) in the Colchester region with community outreach throughout the region (Southeast, East of England, London).

The closing date for applications is midnight on 21 Feb.

To find out more and to apply for this role, please click HERE

Brunei: Nepalese Passport Renewal *TIMINGS* - Saturday, 15th - Sunday, 16th February 2025 @ Chit Chat Community Centre

Saturday, 15 February 2025

0900 – 1000hrs (A Coy + GST)

1000 – 1100hrs (GRU personnel)

1100 – 1200hrs (B + C Coy)

1200 – 1330hrs (Lunch break)

1330 – 1500hrs (HQ Coy)

1500 – 1700hrs (SP Coy)

For Nepalese citizens who are employed locally in Brunei, timings has been allocated between 1130 – 1700hrs.

Nepalese citizen who are not part of British Brunei Forces are to bring 1 x $100 note for the payment of this service. Other miscellaneous documents remain the same for everyone, as per the HIVE page.

Sunday, 16 February 2025

Those who are unable to renew their passport on Saturday due to unforeseen circumstances, the passport renewal window will be from 

0800 – 1100hrs.

NB - There is no problem if the passport renewal appointment has already been booked for 14 Feb 25.

Hereafter, could you please book an appointment for 15 / 16 Feb 25, along with completing the QR Code.

As the date / time slots are auto-generated on the embassy website, should there be no availability for 15 & 16 Feb 25, please select the nearest date.

The completion of QR Code is crucial as it will allow us to consolidate an accurate number of applications for the Embassy staffs to manage their expectation on the day of passport renewal service.

Lastly, timings for each Coy / Department will be disseminated by Wednesday to ensure seamless flow of renewal process, and mitigate bottlenecking the procedure due to everyone arriving at the venue at once.

NEPALESE PASSPORT RENEWAL GUIDANCE

15 – 16 FEBRUARY 2025

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

1. Original Passport and clear photocopy of photo page and NOK page (both in one single page)

2. Original Nepali Citizenship Card and photocopy (Clear Photocopy of Citizenship Card is also accepted).

3. A printed copy of completed application form in colour.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE FOR THE PASSPORT ONLINE APPLICATION

1. Log on to: https://emrtds.nepalpassport.gov.np/

2. Choose type of application – Renewal.

3. Select Ordinary 34 pages and select ‘Proceed’.

4. In ‘Book Your Appointment’ page, select Appointment Country to ‘Other’ and Appointment Location to ‘NE, Kuala Lumpur’. Choose 15 / 16 Feb 2025 for biometric.

5. Follow the onward process to fill out the application form using the details as according to your current passport and Nepali citizenship card.

6. Once you complete the application form, print a copy of it.

7. Do not pay for the fee online.

NEPALESE PASSPORT RENEWAL

The Nepalese passport renewal service has been scheduled to take place in Brunei for the period from 15th to 16th February 2025.

Service Personnel and their family whose passport is going to expire before 31 August 2026 and left with less than six pages (counting both sides) are require to fill this form or scan QR code.

For any questions, please contact:

RAO Department

Cpl Prabat Limbu (GSPS)

prabat.limbu108@mod.gov.uk

Brunei: BFB Education Learning Centre - A1 & B1 Registration Dates for the Spouses

A1 & B1 Registration dates for the spouses.

Test : 13th October 2024

Closing registration : 07th October 2024 by 2pm

Test : 17th November 2024

Closing registration : 11th November 2024 by 2pm

Test : 1st December 2024

Closing registration : 25th November 2024 by 2pm

Test : 19th January 2025

Closing registration : 13th January 2025 by 2pm

Test : 16th February 2025

Closing registration : 10th February 2025 by 2pm

POC: Rina Matari | Learning Centre Manager

For any questions, please call +673-3224101 Ext 3797 or send an email to bruneielc@dgw365.onmicrosoft.com

Brunei: National Insurance Credits For Partners Of Armed Forces Personnel Overseas

What is National Insurance Credits?

If you’re not in paid employment, you might be able to qualify for National Insurance Credits. The National Insurance Credits that you receive will work to fill in the gaps in your National Insurance record and enable you to continue to receive certain benefits like Job seeker's Allowance and the State Pension.

There are two types of National Insurance Credits available: Class 1 and Class 3

Why apply for National Insurance Credits?

As a married or civil partner of a member of the armed forces, accompanying them to an overseas posting after 6th April 2010, and returning to the UK you might be eligible to get National Insurance Credits.

Apply if you're the spouse or civil partner of armed service personnel and have been with them on a posting outside the UK you can claim NI Credits.

Credits can help to fill gaps in your National Insurance record, for example if you were not in work when you were with your partner on an overseas posting. Credits can make sure you qualify for certain benefits including the State Pension.

Please click here for further information

How to apply?

You will be required to fill in the form provided and sent it to HM Revenue & Customs. Please click HERE for the form.

To find out more about National Insurance Credits and how to apply for it please visit the website HERE.

The NI Credits application form can be obtained from the HIVE and the SSO Office.

Details

Print and complete the form MODCA1 (using capital letters) to apply for Class 1 National Insurance credits if you’re the spouse or civil partner of armed service personnel and have been on an accompanied assignment outside the UK.

The Third Page of the form needs to be completed by the Unit Welfare Officer.

When to complete this form

You should not apply for National Insurance Credits more than four months before the confirmed end date of your accompanied assignment outside the UK and no later than the end of the tax year after the end of the assignment.

Click here for MODCA1 form.

Child Benefit Information

You are entitled to Child Benefit if you’re responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training).

Only one person can claim Child Benefit for a child.

You must report any change of circumstances to the Child Benefit Office.

You may have to pay a tax charge if your or your partner’s individual income is over £50,000.

You can choose not to get Child Benefit payments, but you should still fill in the claim form because:

- it will help you get National Insurance credits which count towards your State Pension

- it will ensure your child is registered to get a National Insurance number when they’re 16 years old

CLICK HERE for the full details and updates....

Forces Families Jobs - Employment, Training & Career Support

On this platform families will be able to search and apply for jobs solely from employers that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant. This will give the families some reassurance that the employer will have an understanding of Service life. 

The site will also offer free, or discounted training for Service families. With over 200 employers already signed up for FFJ, this project that will aid spousal employment.

Please click HERE to access to further information or scan the QR Code above.

Forces Families Jobs is the go-to place for training, employment and volunteer roles for family members of currently serving UK military personnel.

Apply for jobs and access employment and training opportunities with companies and organisations who are Forces family friendly.

You can use this website with confidence, knowing that employers have signed the Armed Forces Covenant or are able to demonstrate their commitment to the Armed Forces.

This is your gateway to accessing information about acquiring new skills, upgrading your existing skills or applying directly to employers who are understanding of the unique challenges that come with being a family member of a serving person.

To find out more about Training & Career support from Forces Families Jobs CLICK HERE

Brunei: Authorisation for Carriage of Portable Electronic Devices

Authorisation for Carriage of Portable Electronic Devices

MS Form for the “Authorisation for Carriage of Portable Electronic Devices” on the CRO, as per JSP 440 guidelines.

A few key points to note:

• SPs holding Official PED are no longer required to complete a hard copy form. Instead, they must complete the electronic version via the MS Form link provided before traveling.

• Once submitted, both the Requester and Authoriser will automatically receive notifications with all relevant details.

• This process will be monitored, and if there are any incorrect details, the individual will be notified.

It’s essential that the notification is printed and carried by the individual while travelling.

Family Lives Newsletter - February 2025

Need to talk to someone about family life?

People contact Family Lives about stages of a child's development, issues with schools, and parenting/relationship support. Family Lives also respond when life becomes more complicated and provide support around family breakdown, aggression in the home, bullying, teenage risky behaviour and mental health concerns of both parents and their children.​

You can talk to Family Lives over the phone, via email or online from your phone, tablet or laptop. This service is free and confidential.

https://www.familylives.org.uk

To read more about Family Lives Newsletter on their website, Click Here.

Little Troopers celebrates the Month of the Military Child – come and get involved!

April is the international Month of the Military Child and the charity Little Troopers is celebrating by launching a new dandelion-themed book for military children, as well as organised a special month packed full of workshops, activities and events for all forces families and schools with service children.

National Apprenticeship Week 2025: 10 – 16 Feb 2025

A week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

For more information, including events taking place, please go to: National Apprenticeship Week 2025, 10 - 16 February 2025

Toolkits available are available at: National Apprenticeship Week 2025, 10 - 16 February 2025

Introducing MyCadet

MyCadet is a digital app specifically designed for parents and guardians of the Army Cadet Force, making it easier than ever to keep up to date with your cadet’s progress.

Find out more by visiting: https://armycadets.com/mycadet/

Pinnacle Service Families: Latest News Update for SFA Occupants

Our doors are open
Alongside colleagues from DIO, Amey, and VIVO, we continue to up our local offices so families can drop in for support. In total, we are now offering this service across 14 locations, with the plan to open more in the coming weeks. We keep the list of locations up-to-date on our website here, so please visit for the latest news.

SFA roadshows continue
Our Client Director and members of our regional team have already been in attendance at the first two SFA roadshows of the year at Stafford and Cosford.

These events provide families and stakeholders with a valuable opportunity to engage directly and ask questions of senior representatives from DIO, Pinnacle and Amey/VIVO in a face-to-face setting. The next event takes place on Tuesday 4 March at 1pm and 5.30pm in Brize Norton. Families and stakeholders can secure their places here.

New damp and mould reporting form launched
To make it easier for families to reach out to us, we have launched a new damp and mould reporting form. This can be found on our website here.

The new form allows families to easily select the rooms they are having problems with and indicate the level of the issue.

Families are also encouraged to add photographs on the form so we can assess the issue, quickly assign a severity level and get the job across to our maintenance partners.

Reporting issues with cookers, showers and boilers
We really want to support families as much as possible to get a swift fix for any issues they’re experiencing in their homes.

As such it’d be really helpful if, when families contact us, they could have the make and model of cookers, showers and boilers to hand so we can pass the information over to VIVO or Amey straight away, who will get the issue fixed as soon as possible.

NHS Step into Health webinar – 26 Mar: Helping you to return to practice after your serving spouse or partner is posted abroad

NHS Step into Health are pleased to announce their upcoming information session: Helping you to return to practice after your serving spouse or partner is posted abroad due to take place on Wednesday 26th March, 10 - 11am.

During this one-hour webinar, attendees will hear from representatives of various regulatory bodies across multiple clinical professions, as well as members of NHS England’s return to practice team.

The Step into Health team, in collaboration with their key speakers, has developed a comprehensive FAQ guidance sheet. During the session, speakers will elaborate on relevant sections, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.

The objectives of the session are: 

1. Provide a clear overview of the steps involved in returning to practice for spouses and partners posted abroad with serving personnel.

2. Offer detailed information from various regulatory bodies across multiple clinical professions to ensure participants are aware of the requirements and standards.

   

3. Highlight the resources and support available from NHS England’s return to practice team.

    

4. Introduce the comprehensive FAQ guidance sheet developed by the Step into Health, explaining its relevance and how to use it effectively.

    

5. Facilitate an interactive question and answer session where participants can seek clarification and additional information from the experts.

To find out more and to register for a place please visit the SiTH events web page.

England: Sexual Assault Referral Centres

There are 48 SARCs across England, which provide help 24 hours, seven days a week. This includes crisis care, medical and forensic medical examinations, emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections.

To find out more about help after sexual assault and abuse, visit www.nhs.uk/sarcs

Brunei: RMP - Emergency Telephone Numbers

Brunei: Correct Procedure to Report Crime

CORRECT PROCEDURE TO REPORT CRIME

1. There have recently been a number of incidents of criminal activity within the Garrison Area. All members of BFB are reminded that such matters should be reported to the RMP, Civilian Police and Duty Officer as soon as possible (not days or weeks after the event has taken place). Any delay in reporting to the Police Authorities will hinder appropriate measures against further criminal activity.

2. The contact details for Duty Officers, RMP and Brunei Police:

Duty Officers

1 RGR - 00673 8330220

Garrison - 00673 8330230

RMP Det Brunei

Office hours only - 00673 3224101 Ext 3767

Fax - 00673 3224128

On Call Mobile - 00673 8330252

Royal Brunei Police Force

Seria - 00673 322 2612 / 322 8058

Kuala Belait - 00673 333 4324 / 333 2333

Panaga - 00673 322 2955 / 322 7333

Tutong - 00673 422 1333 / 422 1206

Bandar - 00673 224 2334

Berakas - 00673 233 1037

Brunei: BFB UK Spouse Visa and Child Naturalisation Issue - Reporting Tool

BFB UK SPOUSE VISA AND CHILD NATURALISATION ISSUE - REPORTING TOOL 

1. Individuals who have recently applied for a UK Spouse Visa or Child Naturalisation are to complete the questionnaire by scanning the QR code below or by clicking this LINK. The aim of this toolkit is to help service personnel and families to fast track the application where possible. 

2. If you have any questions or required further information on the UK Visa/Child naturalisation process, please email - 1RGR-RAO-CENTRAL-ADMINHUB@mod.gov.uk.

Brunei: Visa Application Guide - Leave to Enter & Indefinite Leave to Enter - Procedures and Requirements

Please click the image to enlarge.

Slide 1 - Leave to Enter – Procedures and requirements. Link.

Slide 2 - Indefinite Leave to Enter – Procedures and requirements. Link.

PoC – WO2 Diwash Rai, RAWO 1RGR

Email: Diwash.rai141@mod.gov.uk